Offered by Antichità di Alina
Portrait of a Noblewoman with Black Ribbon and Gloves, circa 1640
Attributed to Carlo Ceresa (San Giovanni Bianco, 1609 – Bergamo, 1679)
Lombard School.
Oil on canvas, unsigned
Frame: Carved and gilded wood, later artisan work
Dimensions with frame: Height 110 cm × Width 86.5 cm
This refined portrait, attributed to Carlo Ceresa, depicts a noblewoman in half-length, her gaze composed and direct. She dons a deep red gown adorned with golden lace trimmings and voluminous white sleeves, rendered with a luminous intensity characteristic of lead white pigment. A black ribbon is pinned to her chest, and her hands, posed with theatrical elegance, hold a pair of gloves, contributing to a composition of notable balance.?
The painting is distinguished by its masterful use of chiaroscuro, creating an atmosphere of profound introspection. Light illuminates the hands and face, emerging from a dark background, imparting a theatrical effect and emphasizing the figure's solemnity. This luminous treatment aligns with the tenebrism of the 17th century, a style marked by stark contrasts between light and shadow, often employed to enhance the emotional intensity of the depicted scenes.?
The attribution to Carlo Ceresa is supported by distinctive stylistic elements: the realistic rendering of features, meticulous attention to the details of attire and jewelry, and a harmonious composition. A pupil of Daniele Crespi, Ceresa is recognized for his ability to merge Lombard austerity with refined decorative elegance.?
This portrait stands as a significant example of 17th-century Lombard portraiture, where detailed attention and psychological depth converge to portray an image of refined nobility.?
